The book - by Josh Finney and Kat Rocha - was adjudged to contain "politically sensitive" material due to its depiction of a future civil war in China.

"What I find very telling about the whole situation is at no point does our book criticise the current Chinese government or any of its policies," said Finney.

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"The scenario I wrote is patterned after the Boxer Rebellion, and is meant to be a statement against ultra-nationalism and ethnic cleansing. In fact, it is ultra-nationalists in the Chinese military who attempt to overthrow the government in Titanium Rain."

Archaia publishes its books in China and Hong Kong due to the cheaper prices offered in the regions. Titanium Rain arrived in stores one week late as a result of the controversy.